title: Fat embolism syndrome following the intramedullary alignment guide in total knee arthroplasty.
abstract: Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a well-known complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). FES occurs less frequently in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) than in THA. A 67-year-old woman developed FES after placement of the intramedullary femoral alignment guide during TKA. The diagnosis is based upon a subtle, but significant change in the oxygen saturation after placement of the guide. This potentially fatal complication may be avoided with a simple precautionary step of intramedullary canal marrow aspiration prior to placement of the alignment guide pin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Caillouette
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Anzel
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001853:Bone Marrow; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011312:Pressure; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D013577:Syndrome